Policy Lessons from the Western Balkans Innovation Voucher Pilot

This policy brief presents the findings and recommendations from the Western Balkans Innovation Vouchers scheme conducted as part of the European Union (EU)-funded POLICY ANSWERS project. The scheme was designed as a pilot, facilitating cross-border collaboration between academia and industry covering all six Western Balkans (WB): Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia.

It proved to be an effective model for strengthening the Western Balkans’ Research and Innovation ecosystem and promoting innovation. With 15 successfully launched projects, the findings demonstrate that a targeted, regionally focused funding mechanism can boost innovation, build networks and help align the Western Balkans more closely with the European Research Area (ERA). The brief’s core recommendation is to institutionalise and scale up this pilot model, transforming it from a short-term intervention into a permanent, sustainable R&I policy instrument for the Western Balkans’ future prosperity.

Check the policy brief below: